Serious lapses made by Lotus Business Park developers: MCGM

Serious lapses have emerged on part of the builders of 22-storied Lotus Business Park, in which fire broke out claiming life a firefighter, and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) would take strict action against those responsible, Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte said here on Friday.

Mumbai: Serious lapses have emerged on part of the builders of 22-storied Lotus Business Park, in which fire broke out claiming life a firefighter, and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) would take strict action against those responsible, Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte said here on Friday.

"There was no fire fighting system found in the building and there was no water in their tanks. The generator of the building was also not working. There were also no sprinklers found there and the smoke detector machines was not active.

“This is a serious lapse. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for this mishap," Kune told reporters in the aftermath of a major fire that gutted two floors and killed one firefighter.

He added that a detailed enquiry would be conducted into the incident and legal action would be taken as per the MCGM Act.

MCGM Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Deshmukh, who was also present there said that the MCGM would ensure that fire fighters are provided with longer ladders.

"We are making all efforts to obtain ladders of 90-metre in height. This is the maximum height of ladders used by any municipal corporation in the world. The fire brigade will get these ladders by the end of this year," he said.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Sunil Prabhu while speaking to PTI said that the municipal corporation has awarded a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the family of Nitin Yevlekar, who died in the incident.

"We have decided to provide a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the family of the deceased. We will ensure that the compensation reaches the bereaved family at the earliest," Prabhu said.
He added that out of the 20 injured fire officials, four have been shifted to Burns hospital in Airoli, while the rest were recuperating at Cooper Hospital.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Devendra Aamberkar said this incident has put a question mark on the fire brigade run by the MCGM.

"An incident of this magnitude has now put a question mark on the fire brigade which is known for its reputation. The longest ladders of 55-70 metres height that the fire brigade officials possess is kept at the fire station at Byculla. Thus it becomes impossible for them to transport the ladders at a place far from where the ladders are stationed," he said.

He said that instead of relying on helicopters provided by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard, the MCGM should ensure that the fire brigade gets their own helicopters.